Founding document
Statute
Courtesy summary in English. The only legally binding text is the Italian statute. Read the full Italian text.
Art. 1 Establishment
Fondazione Polimnia is a participation foundation governed by the Italian Civil Code and Presidential Decree 361/2000.
Art. 2 Registered office
The registered office is in Rome; the Board may open operational and representative offices in Italy and abroad.
Art. 3 Aims and activities
Inspired by Christian thought, the social teaching of the Church, integral humanism and participatory democracy, the Foundation pursues non-profit civic, solidarity and social-benefit aims through activities of general interest: education, research, culture, heritage, development cooperation, legality, human rights and awareness of the demographic emergency.
Art. 4 Secondary activities
Other activities are allowed only if secondary and instrumental, within the limits of Legislative Decree 117/2017.
Art. 5 Assets and resources
The assets consist of an endowment fund and an operating fund (contributions, income, donations, public and private grants). Fundraising follows principles of truthfulness, transparency and fairness.
Art. 6 Duration and financial year
Unlimited duration; the financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December. The Assembly of Founders approves the accounts by 30 April. Profits may not be distributed. Separate reports are drawn up for each public fundraising campaign.
Art. 7 Members of the Foundation
Founders, Supporters, Participants, Friends and Honorary members. Supporters may inspect the corporate books on written request.
Art. 8 Founders
The Founders form the Assembly of Founders and may also sit on the Board of Directors.
Art. 9 Supporters, Participants, Friends and Honorary members
Admission is decided by the Board after the binding opinion of the Assembly of Founders; membership lasts as long as the contribution is paid or the service performed.
Art. 10 Exclusion, termination and withdrawal
Members who fail to perform their commitment may be excluded by reasoned decision of the Board; Supporters and Participants may withdraw at any time.
Art. 11 Bodies and offices
Assembly of Founders, Steering Council, Board of Directors, Supervisory Body and Scientific Committee; offices may include a Secretary General, a Study Centre, a youth programme and a School for local administrators.
Art. 12 Assembly of Founders
It oversees the Foundation, approves the accounts and regulations, appoints the Board and the Supervisory Body and decides on amendments and extraordinary operations. Notice of at least ten days; meetings may be held remotely.
Art. 13 Decisions of the Assembly
Quorum of two thirds at first call; decisions by majority of those present. Amendments require three quarters present; dissolution requires three quarters in favour.
Art. 14 Steering Council
Founders, Participants and Supporters; it sets multi-year objectives and proposes programmes. Its Chair is appointed by the Assembly of Founders.
Art. 15 Decisions of the Steering Council
Majority quorum at first call, any number at second call; decisions by majority of those present.
Art. 16 Board of Directors
From 3 to 15 members, mostly appointed by the Founders; three-year term. It manages the Foundation, prepares programmes, accounts and regulations, and decides on admissions.
Art. 17 Chair and Vice-Chairs
The Chair of the Board is the legal representative of the Foundation and handles relations with institutions and partners.
Art. 18 Supervisory Body and auditor
Single or three-member body, three-year term: it oversees legality, sound administration and the social aims. An auditor checks the accounts.
Art. 19 Scientific Committee
Appointed by the Board among highly qualified people; it has advisory and proposal functions.
Art. 20 Unpaid offices
All offices are unpaid, except for reimbursement of documented expenses; any remuneration must be proportionate.
Art. 21 Corporate books
Minute books of each body and registers of Supporters, Participants and Friends.
Art. 22 Dissolution
Decided by the Assembly of Founders; remaining assets go to organisations with similar aims or of public benefit.
Art. 23 Final clause
For matters not covered, the Italian Civil Code and applicable law apply.